PAIN MANAGEMENT

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Spine Anatomy

Your spinal column consists of 33 vertebrae, stacked together to form your spine. Between each vertebra is a disc which acts as a shock absorber and cushion so the bones don’t rub together.

Behind each vertebra is a bone arch called a lamina. These bony arches fit together to form a tunnel. Your spinal cord fits perfectly between the vertebrae in the front and the lamina in the back. Tiny joints called facet joints hold them together.

Nerve roots exit the spinal cord at each disc level through tiny openings on both sides of the vertebrae. These openings are called foramen.

When the nerve roots become compressed or pinched in the spinal canal or foramen along the lumbar region of your spine it is called lumbar radiculopathy.

Since these nerves, roots radiate through your lower back, pelvis, legs, and feet, a pinched nerve in the lumbar region of the spine can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in your lower extremities.

What Causes Lumbar Radiculopathy?

The same conditions that cause cervical radiculopathy in the upper region of the spine also cause lumbar radiculopathy in the lower region of the spine.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Herniated Disc

Spinal Stenosis

A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease can occur in any region of the spine. However, since the top and bottom regions of your spine are under the most stress they are the most susceptible to injury, damage, and diseases that can result in a pinched nerve.

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